Quick & Sweet Raspberry Jam Recipe: A Burst of Summer Bliss

Sweet summer memories burst through every spoonful of homemade raspberry jam, connecting us with seasonal bounty and simple kitchen magic.

Ripe berries whisper stories of sun-drenched gardens and lazy afternoon picking.

Crafting jam becomes more than a recipe, it’s a cherished ritual that celebrates fresh ingredients.

Tart and vibrant, these ruby-red preserves capture pure fruit essence without complicated techniques.

My grandmother’s method taught me that true culinary joy comes from patience and respect for each ingredient.

Smooth spreading across warm toast awaits you, promising delightful moments of pure deliciousness.

This recipe will transform ordinary mornings into extraordinary culinary adventures.

What Makes Delia Smith Raspberry Jam So Special

• Craft Homemade Goodness: Create a delightful raspberry jam that captures the pure essence of fresh fruit, transforming simple ingredients into a delectable spread that beats store-bought versions.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Technique: Learn an approachable cooking method that requires minimal skills, making it perfect for novice cooks wanting to explore preserve-making without feeling overwhelmed.
• Preserve Summer's Bounty: Capture the vibrant flavor of ripe raspberries and enjoy their intense sweetness throughout the year, turning seasonal produce into a lasting culinary treasure that can be shared with friends and family.
• Customize Your Preserve: Experiment with additional flavors like vanilla or mint, allowing you to personalize the jam and create a unique condiment that reflects your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Delia Smith Raspberry Jam

• Raspberries: Sweet and vibrant summer berries that form the core flavor of the jam.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the jam set and preserve.

• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps activate pectin for better jam consistency.

How to Prepare Raspberry Jam by Delia Smith

Step 1: Prep Berries and Equipment

Gather fresh, ripe raspberries and clean glass jars thoroughly. Wash the berries gently and remove any stems or damaged fruit. Ensure your cooking area is clean and organized for a smooth jam-making process.

Step 2: Crush and Cook Raspberries

Place raspberries in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Use a potato masher to gently crush the berries, releasing their natural juices. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the berries to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 4-5 minutes to soften completely.

Step 3: Add Sweetening Agents

Stir in granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. The sugar will help thicken the jam and preserve it, while the lemon juice adds brightness and helps with setting. Mix thoroughly until the sugar begins to dissolve.

Step 4: Boil and Reduce

Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Continue cooking, allowing the jam to reduce and thicken. This process typically takes 40-50 minutes, and the mixture will become glossy and slightly more viscous.

Step 5: Check Jam Consistency

Test the jam’s readiness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate. Let it sit for a moment, then push with your finger. If the surface wrinkles and doesn’t immediately flow back, the jam is ready. If not, continue cooking and test again in a few minutes.

Step 6: Jar and Seal

Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized glass jars. Leave a small space at the top to allow for expansion. Wipe the jar rims clean and securely attach the lids.

Step 7: Process Jars

Lower the filled jars into a large pot of boiling water, ensuring they are completely submerged. Process for 5 minutes to create a proper seal and ensure preservation.

Step 8: Cool and Store

Remove jars from the water bath and place them on a towel in a draft-free area. Allow to cool completely overnight. Check that the lids have sealed properly by pressing the center – it should not move. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

Smart Tips for Raspberry Jam Making Success

• Sterilize Smartly: Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water or run through dishwasher to ensure bacteria-free containers for your jam.
• Choose Peak Raspberries: Select ripe, bright-colored raspberries at the height of the season for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
• Test Jam Readiness: Use the wrinkle test by placing a small amount on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, the jam has reached the perfect setting point.
• Control Sugar Levels: Adjust sugar quantity based on raspberry sweetness and personal preference, but maintain proper ratio for successful preservation.
• Store Properly: Keep sealed jam jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year, and refrigerate after opening for extended freshness.

Ways to Customize Raspberry Jam by Delia Smith

• Berry Medley Jam: Replace raspberries with a mix of strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a vibrant multi-berry spread.
• Low-Sugar Version: Reduce sugar by half and use a low-sugar pectin to create a healthier jam with less sweetness.
• Herb-Infused Raspberry Jam: Add fresh mint or basil during cooking for a sophisticated herbal undertone that complements the raspberries.
• Vegan Chia Seed Jam: Substitute traditional sugar with maple syrup and use chia seeds to help thicken the jam without pectin, creating a lighter, fresher preserve.

What to Serve with Raspberry Jam from Delia

• Cheese Board Companion: Pair the raspberry jam with a creamy brie or tangy goat cheese on a rustic wooden board. The rich, smooth cheese balances the jam's bright, sweet-tart flavor perfectly.
• Breakfast Bliss Match: Spread this homemade jam on warm, buttery croissants or fluffy pancakes for a delightful morning treat. The jam's intense raspberry essence elevates simple breakfast classics.
• Pastry Perfection Partner: Incorporate the jam into thumbprint cookies, layer it in a delicate Victoria sponge cake, or use as a filling for homemade tarts. Its vibrant color and intense fruit flavor transforms ordinary baked goods.
• Wine Harmony Suggestion: Complement the jam with a crisp rosé or a light-bodied Pinot Noir.

Storage Methods for Delia Smith Raspberry Jam

• Seal jam in sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep away from direct sunlight and strong odors to maintain flavor integrity.
• Process jam in sealed, sterilized jars using water bath method. Store in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months without refrigeration.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Freeze for up to 6 months, thawing in refrigerator before serving.
• Once opened, consume refrigerated jam within 7-10 days to prevent spoilage and maintain optimal taste and texture.

Raspberry Jam FAQs by Delia Smith

• How do I know if my jam has reached the setting point?

Dip a cold spoon into the jam and let it cool for a moment. If the jam wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it has reached the right consistency.

• Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen raspberries work perfectly. Thaw them completely before cooking and drain any excess liquid.

• Why do I need to add lemon juice to the jam?

Lemon juice helps activate the pectin in the raspberries, which is crucial for helping the jam set properly and creates a better texture.

• How long will homemade raspberry jam last?

When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, homemade raspberry jam can last up to 12 months. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3-4 weeks.

Raspberry Jam Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 10 hours 4 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories bloom in this classic Raspberry Jam, capturing homemade perfection with garden-fresh berries and simple ingredients. Smooth, spreadable magic awaits you when preserving summer’s most delightful fruit in a jar of pure, nostalgic goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 4 cups raspberries (mashed)

Sweeteners:

• 4 cups white sugar

Acidic Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse glass containers in hot, soapy water, then sanitize by boiling or using a dishwasher’s high-temperature cycle.
2. Place fresh raspberries in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, crushing them gently to release natural pectin and juices.
3. Heat raspberries over medium-high temperature, bringing to a rolling boil for approximately 4 minutes while stirring continuously.
4. Incorporate granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring until sugar completely dissolves and mixture becomes smooth.
5. Check jam’s consistency using the wrinkle test: place a small amount on a chilled ceramic plate and push with fingertip – if surface wrinkles, jam is ready.
6. Continue cooking at a vigorous boil for 40-45 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
7. Remove from heat and carefully ladle piping hot jam into sterilized glass jars, maintaining a quarter-inch gap from the rim.
8. Secure jar lids tightly and process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to create a proper seal.
9. Transfer processed jars to a stable, draft-free surface and allow to cool completely overnight, ensuring proper setting and preservation.

Notes

• Choose ripe, vibrant raspberries for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control during jam-making process.
• Add a small amount of butter to reduce foam formation during boiling.
• Experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or mint for a unique flavor twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 54 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 387
• Sugar: 98 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 99 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg